Sky Atlantic’s Penny Dreadful returns for second series

Sky drama series Penny Dreadful is to return to Sky Atlantic for a second series, with filming set to take place in Dublin later this year.

The TV and broadband provider has revealed plans for an extended second series featuring ten, one hour-long episodes.

Sky will screen the show, starring Josh Hartnett, Timothy Dalton, Eva Green and Billie Piper, in 2015 with two extra episodes compared to series one.

Penny Dreadful is the brainchild of three-time Oscar nominee John Logan and the launch of series one was the second-highest rated one of all shows on Sky Atlantic.

“Over the last few years we have made massive strides in bringing world class dramas to our customers’ screens,” said Stuart Murphy, Director of Sky Entertainment channels.

“Penny Dreadful epitomises the cinematic scale of drama we have come to expect from Sky Atlantic.”

Cameron Roach, the Acting Head of Drama, Sky Entertainment, added the company are “very proud of Penny Dreadful’s British and Irish roots” and are “thrilled to be working with Neal Street Productions and Showtime on the second series”.

Showtime Networks president David Nevins said the decision to pick up the second series was “one of the easiest I’ve ever made” thanks to the show’s widespread appeal.

“The series has had worldwide impact, drawing big, passionate audiences on both sides of the Atlantic, and more than any other show on our network has hit the bullseye with viewers who want to watch television in all the new ways that are available,” he said.

Pippa Harris, Executive Producer at Neal Street Productions also expressed her delight at the popular show returning for a second series.

“It’s a testament to John Logan’s skill and artistry as a writer and the superbly talented cast and crew that the series has resonated so strongly with fans on both sides of the Atlantic,” she said.

“The success of Penny Dreadful proves that British Drama can compete internationally.”

Penny Dreadful sees some of literature’s famous characters – such as Dr. Frankenstein, Dorian Gray and Dracula reimagined and catapulted into Victorian London.

The first series is currently running on Sky Atlantic, with previously shown episodes of the Sky drama series all available through Sky On Demand.